Web Watch @ Your Library #85 - November 2010 - Other back Issues

2010 Marks the 60th Anniversary of the Beginning of the Korean War
The Korean War has sometimes been called “The Forgotten War” by the media, sandwiched between the Second World War and the conflict in Vietnam. In general, Canadians are much less informed about the origins of the Korean War, its history and the involvement of our country, than about World Wars I and II.  The following links can help us to know more.

Veterans Affairs Canada
How did the Korean War begin?  What was Canada’s involvement in this war - on land, on sea and in the air? The Veterans Affairs Canada website provides an overview of the origins of the Korean War and an overview and timeline of Canada’s involvement.

The National Museum of American History
The Korean War is often viewed as a part of the “Cold War”. In fact, for the United States, the invasion of South Korea by North Korea confirmed the threats of Communist expansion. Read a brief summary of the war and its role in the beginning of the Cold War.

The Korean Veterans Association of Canada
This website offers details about the Canadian infantry regiments and brigades which took part in the Korean War, the RCAF pilots and aircraft involved (via the United States Air Force), the participation of the Royal Canadian Navy, and some of the honours received by participating Canadians. 516 Canadians lost their lives in the Korean War.

CBC Archives - Korean War
Listen to a broadcast by Canadian veteran Don Hibbs as he recalls the heroism shown by the Princess Patricia Battalion at the Battle of Kapyong, the site of a key battle in the Korean War. Hear about the arrival of the first Canadian troops in Korea. Find out how Canada’s Van Doos observed Christmas in Korea in 1953. Various CBC Radio and Television clips, and veterans’ memories are showcased in CBC’s Archives.

HINT
The Stratford Public Library has various books about the Korean War, such as “I Remember Korea: Veterans Tell their Stories of the Korean War” by Canadian author Linda Granfield (found in the library at 951.90420922 Gra). For children, one of the newest books is “The Korean War” by Carter Malkasian (found at J 951.9042 Mal). Find them in our online catalogue. Post reviews of books you read or dvds you watch.

Web Tip:

Homework Help @ the Library
Visit the Teen Lounge for links that can help with all your homework
Visit the Kids Site for links that can help with homework for kids aged 5 - 12

How Stuff Works: The Korean War
Look here for a clear, informative introduction and overview of the Korean War, complete with videos, maps, photos and highlights of the war

The Korean War
Did you know that along with Canada and the United States, many other countries participated in the United Nations’ response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea - such as Belgium, Ethiopia, Australia, the Philippine Islands, and even tiny Luxembourg (which sent an infantry platoon as part of a battalion from Belgium)? This web site offers an “international” view of the Korean War, and includes a war timeline and data about the aircraft used in this conflict.

The Princess Patricias
The Princess Patricia Light Infantry Regiment was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for Valour for its heroic action at Kapyong, the location of a key battle in April 1951. No other Canadian unit has been so honoured. Learn more about the "Princess Pats", established in 1914.

BBC: The Korean War
Read an overview of the “Forgotten War”, a summary of China’s intervention in the war, a summary of the stalemate and of “Operation Big Switch”, and a brief analysis of the Korean War (see “Aftermath”). This war was the first military test of the young United Nations, established at the end of World War II, in 1945.

Other Websites About Canada and War:

Canada at War
A website to honour Canada’s significant contributions to World War I, the Korean War and World War II, “Canada at War” offers information, photos, video coverage and online memorials on these and other wars in which our country has participated. 

The Canadian Letters & Images Project
Letters written by overseas soldiers to their loved ones offer unique glimpses of war and of the close ties between the soldiers and their families. This online archive includes correspondence from soldiers serving in both World Wars, the Korean War, the Boer War and others. Be sure to click on “Special Items” to view some other publications, such as the Kingswood Bulletins from the Massey-Harris Convalescent Home for Canadian Soldiers (World War I).